Defense

From Nextgov.com: Pentagon orders system to track soldiers for brain injuries

After years of criticism for not properly diagnosing and treating troops affected by battlefield explosions, Defense calls for a database that would alert physicians to check for hard-to-detect concussions and brain damage.

Oversight

Agencies get tips on keeping better travel logs

Reporting requirements hold them accountable for decisions to upgrade employees from coach class.

Oversight

Procurement officials face mounting pressures

A flurry of policy changes creates an implementation headache for top acquisition managers.

Oversight

Bill places limits on contractor spending

House passes legislation that restricts many recipients of federal funds from unlimited spending on campaign ads.

Defense

House panel OKs $44B Homeland Security spending bill

Legislation also restores administration's proposed cuts to Coast Guard personnel and operations accounts.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: OMB launches website to publicly hold agencies accountable for improper payments

Error rates and amounts publicized on site ; Internet users encouraged to report fraud, waste or abuse.

Oversight

Senate passes improper payment bill

Legislation would require agencies to identify and recover nearly $100 billion in mistaken payments.

Defense

Gates: No one but Petraeus could step in

There was only one general officer poised to take over quickly and help troops in Afghanistan maintain their focus, according to the Defense secretary.

Oversight

Salazar to seek funding for drilling inspectors

Interior chief says he will request a fivefold increase, noting currently 62 inspectors are responsible for nearly 4,000 drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Oversight

Senate panel approves supervisor training bill

Legislation introduced in 2009 advances, after more than one year on the shelf.

Defense

Napolitano pushes back against border security critics

Responding to Republicans slamming the administration on border security, DHS chief says U.S.-Mexico border will never be totally sealed.

Defense

Senator plans to expedite Petraeus' confirmation

Armed Services Committee chairman is confident McChrystal's replacement will be confirmed before July 4 recess.

Oversight

USPS will see pushback from industry, unions on delivery day reduction

Agency also must address funding of pensions and retiree health benefits to cut costs, panelists say.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Feds delayed measuring rate of Gulf oil flow for five weeks

High-tech sensors could have accurately estimated the amount of oil escaping, but BP executives turned down the technology saying the deep-water well would be capped quickly.

Oversight

Momentum is building to end secret holds

Missouri Democrat has commitments from 68 senators to end the practice of anonymously stalling nominees and bills.

Oversight

House Democrats trim budget by $7B

Budget chairman says he hopes the House will take up the package before the July 4 recess.

Defense

Navy working to meet cost-cutting goals, admiral says

Officials are looking for redundancies in organizations and programs, according to chief of operations.

Defense

White House to unveil revised ID management plan Friday

White House to unveil revised ID management plan Friday Strategy will build on past efforts, including the Bush administration’s attempt to establish universal credentials for accessing federal buildings and computers.

Oversight

Top financial officials have a full plate

CFOs are on the hook for $100 billion in erroneous payments in 2009 and a host of other problems.

Oversight

Senate clears executive nominees

Chamber confirms 64 executive nominees by unanimous consent after reaching a deal over National Labor Relations Board appointees.